Feline Oral Cancer

The most common feline oral cancer is oral squamous cell carcinoma. My orange marmalade cat, Noelle, had this form of cancer in her jaw in 1985. So I was encouraged when I learned of two organizations joining forces to fight cancer.

MBF Therapeutics, a development stage veterinary oncology company and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research have recently formed a strategic relationship to support the development of MBFT-101. This treatment is a novel combination of two drug molecules that act together to kill cancer cells by starving them of nutrients essential for cell growth and survival but with no effect on normal cells. The therapy is intended to be administered orally at home for four to six weeks. The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is conducting a pilot study using MBFT-101 in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

“This partnership embodies the true value of translational medicine. Together we are able to evaluate MBFT-101 in cats and dogs with natural disease, concurrently with crucial preclinical studies in laboratory animal models. At the same time we are developing these treatments for companion animals, we will advance our understanding of how to effectively treat human cancers,” said Thomas Tillet, MBFT President and CEO.

“Cancer is a devastating disease that affects both humans and animals alike,” stated Dr. George Prendergast, LIMR President & CEO. “The Lankenau Institute is very excited about our new, unique relationship with MBF Therapeutics. MBFT will utilize research performed in our laboratories to advance the development of needed, new therapies for our beloved pets while also setting the stage for future studies in humans.”